Utility Backfill Excavator Operator

CARDINAL CIVIL CONTRACTING TRIAD LLC•Kernersville, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Cardinal Civil Contracting, a heavy civil and site development contractor and part of Cardinal Infrastructure Group, is hiring a Utility Backfill Excavator Operator for underground wet utility pipe work. The operator runs a hydraulic tracked excavator to backfill and compact trenches behind water, sewer, and storm pipe installation, and supports trench excavation, material handling, and structure setting. The role also assists with manual labor and pipe installation when not operating equipment. Work takes place at active outdoor construction sites, and the schedule includes early starts and extended hours, with occasional Saturdays, overtime, and weekend work as project needs require. The operator is expected to work safely around open trenches, workers, existing utilities, trench boxes, and shoring; follow project specifications and grade instructions; maintain equipment; document inspections; and coordinate with the Foreman and crew. Required PPE is provided and must be worn on all sites. This is an at-will position, and the duties described are not exhaustive.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience operating a hydraulic excavator on underground utility or pipeline work, including digging inside a trench box and lifting and setting heavy loads such as pipe and precast structures.
Strong work ethic, integrity, and honesty.
Ability to read and understand grade stakes and follow hand signals.
Basic math skills for measuring and counting materials.
Clear communication with supervisors and teammates; ability to follow directions accurately and adapt as priorities change.
Sound judgment and situational awareness in a fast-paced environment.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Reliable transportation to and from job sites.
Ability to sit and operate equipment for extended periods and climb on and off equipment safely using three points of contact.
Ability to frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, and crouch, and occasionally lift and carry 25–60 pounds.
Ability to maintain constant alertness while operating near workers and open trenches.
The additional qualifications section also calls for proven experience operating bulldozers and trackhoe excavators in civil construction, ability to read grading plans and site layouts, a strong understanding of safety regulations and equipment maintenance, and physical ability to lift, climb, and work in varying weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

OSHA 10.
Operator certification or qualification on hydraulic excavators.
Working knowledge of OSHA trenching and shoring requirements.
Valid driver's license.
Familiarity with GPS and laser grading technology.
Valid CDL or heavy equipment operator certification.

Responsibilities

Operate a hydraulic tracked excavator to backfill and compact trenches behind water, sewer, and storm pipe installation.
Excavate trenches as directed while maintaining proper slope, benching, and spoil pile placement and working safely around trench boxes and shoring.
Load, place, and spread bedding stone, select fill, and backfill materials according to specifications and lift requirements.
Follow grade stakes, layout markings, and hand signals to perform work to line, grade, and project specifications.
Lift, move, and set pipe, precast structures, and other heavy loads using proper rigging techniques and rated attachments.
Load and unload materials and keep the work area organized to support crew productivity.
Perform pre- and post-operation equipment inspections; grease equipment, check fluids, and keep the cab, tracks, and windows clean.
Complete daily equipment logs and promptly report damage, defects, or maintenance needs to the Foreman.
Coordinate equipment movement with the Foreman, pipe layers, and laborers, including around workers in and near trenches.
Assist with manual labor, shoveling, trench work, and pipe installation tasks when not operating equipment.
Maintain reliable attendance, including overtime as operational needs require.
Model and enforce the company's safety program; excavate carefully around existing utilities, require hand-digging near located lines, and use stop-work authority when conditions are unsafe.
Comply with company policies, OSHA regulations, and applicable federal, state, and local safety requirements.
Perform other related duties as assigned.